Implementing the Southern Africa Firearms Protocol: Identifying challenges and priorities

SADC Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and other Related Materials’ major objective is to prevent, combat and eradicate illicit trade

The SADC Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and other Related Materials’ major objective is to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade of firearms, ammunition and other related materials in the Southern African region through the mobilization of a regional commitment to policy and practice. The implementation of its comprehensive provisions presents enormous challenges for member states. However, if viewed as a framework through which regional initiatives can be carried out cooperatively to deal with the problem of firearms and related materials, then its impact on reducing small arms and light weapons in the region and its contribution to greater stability and development can be more effectively measured.

Author

Noel Stott is a senior researcher with the Arms Management Programme at the Institute for Security Studies.